Colorado is one of the number one destination wedding states in the U.S., and wedding venues in the mountains or with mountain views are some of the most requested not only by Coloradans but by those planning destination weddings in Colorado.
When planning a destination wedding, remember that Colorado is a large state, and it can take hours to get to the mountain towns with the most spectacular views. Aspen, Vail and Telluride will always be popular wedding locations, because, well, you just can’t out-do a wedding at the top of a mountain!
But for brides and grooms whose guests who might not acclimate well to higher altitudes, or for any number of reasons don’t want to lengthy drive to their wedding venue, there are plenty of beautiful wedding venues just a short drive from Denver — without having to drive over a single mountain pass!
Not only do these five venues have beautiful mountain views, they also have gorgeous indoor spaces to move a ceremony in case of inclement weather. (And having a backup plan for an indoor ceremony is a MUST in Colorado!) These locations also serve up over-the-top hospitality that will make you and your guests feel like family!
Here are five of my favorite Colorado wedding venues, near enough to Denver to make travel a breeze, and with beautiful and unique mountain views that will give your guests an unforgettable taste of Colorado!
The Woodlands in Morrison, Colorado, is one of the best new wedding venues near Denver. It’s also the only white barn wedding venue in Colorado — a photographer’s dream. And apparently a lot of brides’ dreams too, since they book up quickly!
I was fortunate enough to shoot the wedding of the first couple to book Woodlands Colorado, while it was still an architect’s rendition! You can see their full wedding day here. I dare you not to love Stormi and Nick’s wedding as much as I do!
Woodlands Colorado
Woodlands Colorado
Always one of my first suggestions for Denver couples looking for a just-outside-of-Denver wedding location, Spruce Mountain Ranch does not disappoint. Not only do they have the ability to host multiple weddings on any given day, but they know how to treat every single wedding as their only one. It’s a large wedding venue that somehow manages to feel cozy and intimate at the same time, even when hosting upwards of 300 guests for a single wedding.
I’ve shot here more times than I can count, and every wedding was gorgeous in every way. I’m particularly attached to Bayleigh and Austin’s wedding day, though, because even though they had to move the wedding indoors at the last minute due to high winds, they kept on smiling and we still managed to capture the most gorgeous photos.
Spruce Mountain Ranch, Colorado
Spruce Mountain Ranch, Colorado
Spruce Mountain Ranch, Colorado
If you’re looking for a truly unique wedding venue, Planet Bluegrass does not disappoint! While this is not your traditional mountain view, the ceremony site is riverside facing a sheer black rock wall that is truly awe-inspiring. Guests can stay at any number of AirBNBs surrounding the property (or check out the tiny house community nearby for a unique getaway)!
Gena and Jake’s fall wedding was one-of-a-kind. Even with rain in the forecast, we still had a gorgeous outdoor ceremony, snapped the most beautiful photos, and ran inside before the downpour started to dance the night away and eat Voodoo Doughnuts.
Planet Bluegrass, Colorado
Planet Bluegrass, Colorado
Planet Bluegrass, Colorado
Another of the newer venues to hit the state, Blackstone Rivers Ranch will wow you with their hospitality, and their attention to detail. These guys know how to run a wedding venue! Nestled in a beautiful outside of Idaho Springs, with a river running through it, this wedding venue knows how to be rustic yet elegant at the same time. You’ll be greeted with sparkling patio lights as you cross over the covered bridge into a magical venue of pine trees, wildflowers, and aspen.
Every year when the snow melts, the team at BRR installs a large white wedding tent that is perfect for your spring, summer, or fall wedding — you’ll be ready for every kind of weather. But in true Colorado fashion, most storms blow through quickly, and your guests will most likely be happily seated on the tree log seating that surrounds the giant pines at the ceremony site.
I’ve shot here multiple times too, and this venue does not disappoint! The light is magical at every time of day. Just look at Alani and Riley’s elegant fall wedding! And if you can add an extra hour into your timeline to sneak away, there are several stunning locations just a short drive away with iconic mountain views, including views of Mount Evans.
Blackstone Rivers Ranch, Colorado
Blackstone Rivers Ranch, Colorado
You can go wrong with a wedding at the gorgeous Della Terra Mountain Chateau. From the intimate outdoor ceremony space to the luxurious European old-world design, you’ll find romantic touches at every turn. It’s a stunning mountain venue at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, which means there are photo opportunities galore, both on and off the property. And if you’re already married, the romance of the suites, the seclusion of the cabins, and the hospitality everywhere here make this the perfect hideaway for an anniversary or surprise weekend away!
Oh, and by the way, you don’t want to miss the vintage details and personal touches incorporated into this romantic Della Terra wedding.
Della Terra Mountain Chateau, Colorado
Della Terra Mountain Chateau, Colorado
Della Terra Mountain Chateau, Colorado
If you’d like more information about planning a Colorado wedding, feel free to contact me and I’ll put you in touch with all of my favorite Colorado wedding vendors! And stay tuned for more tips about planning a Colorado destination wedding.
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